ADJUSTABLE CASEMENT WINDOW SNUBBER
Snubbers are used to secure casement windows against negative loading. One such snubber is adjustable and includes a base having a major axis and a minor axis orthogonal to the major axis, wherein a length of the base along a major axis is greater than a width of the base along the minor axis. A flange projects from the base in a direction substantially orthogonal to both the major axis and the minor axis. The base also defines at least one slot having a slot axis, wherein the slot axis is oblique to both the major axis and the minor axis.
Snubbers are utilized in casement windows to strengthen them during negative loading of the window. Negative loading typically occurs when a window sash is forced outward from the frame. This may occur due to excessive air pressures within a building in which the window is installed, or if the window is pushed by an occupant or pulled by an intruder. Snubbers installed on both the window frame and the window sash help prevent failure of the window under such circumstances. These devices also help minimize sash warping and are utilized to improve weather strip compression on the hinged side of the window. Proper weather strip compression is important to minimize unwanted infiltration and exfiltration.
In general, one snubber is mounted to the frame of the window, and the other is mounted to the hinged window sash. As the window closes, the two snubbers engage at a bearing interface to help support the sash during negative loading, and also to ensure that the weather stripping has sufficient compression to seal the sash to the frame. In this regard, proper alignment of the snubbers is critical to properly seal the windows. Additionally, as weather seals compress or degenerate over time, it may be desirable to move either or both of the snubbers, thus bringing the sash into a tighter fit with the frame. Movement of the snubbers, however, requires removal and reinstallation of the fasteners, which makes additional, undesirable, penetrations in the frame and sash.
SUMMARYIn one aspect, the technology relates to a snubber for a casement window, the snubber including: a base having a major axis and a minor axis orthogonal to the major axis, wherein a length of the base along a major axis is greater than a width of the base along the minor axis; and a flange projecting from the base in a direction substantially orthogonal to both the major axis and the minor axis, wherein the base defines at least one slot having a slot axis, wherein the slot axis is oblique to both the major axis and the minor axis. In an embodiment, the flange has a lip defining a lip axis oblique to the minor axis. In another embodiment, the slot axis defines an angle of about less than about 20 degrees from the major axis. In yet another embodiment, the slot axis defines an angle of about 20 degrees to about 5 degrees from the major axis. In still another embodiment, the slot axis defines an angle of about 15 degrees from the major axis. In another embodiment, the slot includes a plurality of projections.
In another aspect, the technology relates to a method of securing to a first window element a first snubber having a base having a major axis and a minor axis orthogonal to the major axis, and defining at least one slot having a slot axis, wherein the slot axis is oblique to both the major axis and the minor axis, the method including: passing a fastener through the slot; adjustably securing the fastener in a first position to the window element; placing the first snubber in contact with a second snubber located on an opposing window element, such that the first snubber moves from the first position to a second position; and securing the fastener in the second position to the window element. In an embodiment, the method includes securing the second snubber to the opposing window element. In another embodiment, the method includes manually adjusting the second position of the first snubber.
There are shown in the drawings, embodiments which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the technology is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
The angled slot 104 allows the snubber 100 to be adjusted either during or after installation. It has been determined that the angle a helps limit movement of the snubber (and therefore, the sash) when the sash is under negative loading. When installed, a screw, nail, bolt, or other fastener that bears against the wall 106 of each of the slots 104. If the angle a is too steep (relative to the major axis A) the snubber may break free, loosening from the screws. In that regard, the angles a discussed above have been found to be desirable in limiting movement of the snubber 100. Additionally or alternatively, the slot may include elements that help reduce the possibility of movement of the snubber relative to the fixed screw. Such an embodiment is depicted in
Returning to
The first and second snubbers are then placed in contact (Step 408). This occurs when the window sash is closed relative to the window frame (as depicted in
It is contemplated that a single snubber is used on each of a window frame and a mating sash. However, certain casement windows may benefit from more than one pair of snubbers. The entire snubber may be manufactured by known techniques using injection molded plastics, including PVC, ABS, various grade densities of polyethylene, or other plastics typically used in the fenestration industry. Glass-filled plastics, such as 30% glass-filled nylon may be desirable, since they allow a certain degree of deflection under load while still maintaining sufficient strength. Additionally, the snubber may be manufactured of stainless steel, brass, zinc, or other metals.
While there have been described herein what are to be considered exemplary and preferred embodiments of the present technology, other modifications of the technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein. The particular methods of manufacture and geometries disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and are not to be considered limiting. It is therefore desired to be secured in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the technology. Accordingly, what is desired to be secured by Letters Patent is the technology as defined and differentiated in the following claims, and all equivalents.
What is claimed is:
Claims
1. A snubber for a casement window, the snubber comprising:
- a base comprising a major axis and a minor axis orthogonal to the major axis, wherein a length of the base along a major axis is greater than a width of the base along the minor axis; and
- a flange projecting from the base in a direction substantially orthogonal to both the major axis and the minor axis,
- wherein the base defines at least one slot comprising a slot axis, wherein the slot axis is oblique to both the major axis and the minor axis.
2. The snubber of claim 1, wherein the flange comprises a lip defining a lip axis oblique to the minor axis.
3. The snubber of claim 1, wherein the slot axis defines an angle of about less than about 20 degrees from the major axis.
4. The snubber of claim 1, wherein the slot axis defines an angle of about 20 degrees to about 5 degrees from the major axis.
5. The snubber of claim 1, wherein the slot axis defines an angle of about 15 degrees from the major axis.
6. The snubber of claim 1, wherein the slot comprises a plurality of projections.
7. A method of securing to a first window element a first snubber comprising a base having a major axis and a minor axis orthogonal to the major axis, and defining at least one slot comprising a slot axis, wherein the slot axis is oblique to both the major axis and the minor axis, the method comprising:
- passing a fastener through the slot;
- adjustably securing the fastener in a first position to the window element;
- placing the first snubber in contact with a second snubber located on an opposing window element, such that the first snubber moves from the first position to a second position; and
- securing the fastener in the second position to the window element.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising securing the second snubber to the opposing window element.
9. The method of claim 7, further comprising manually adjusting the second position of the first snubber.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 22, 2011
Publication Date: Jun 27, 2013
Inventor: Corby Weron (Centerville, SD)
Application Number: 13/334,986
International Classification: E05F 5/00 (20060101); B23P 11/00 (20060101);